RAWALPINDI: A number of functions were held to mark the Defence Day and pay tributes to the heroes of the 1965 war.

Tributes were paid to the army martyrs at special ceremonies held at the mausoleums of Lance Naik Sawar Mohammad Hussain Shaheed and Captain Raja Mohammad Sarwar Shaheed, the recipients of Pakistan’s highest military award, near Gujar Khan.

Station Commander Murree Brig Ummar Saeed laid a wreath on behalf of Chief of Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa at the mausoleum of Sawar Hussain Shaheed in his native village of Dhoke Shah Sawar near Jatli.

A contingent of the artillery presented guard of honour to the hero of the 1971 war.

Brig Qamarul Islam of Punjab Regiment laid a wreath on behalf of the COAS at the monument of Captain Sarwar Shaheed. An army contingent also paid guard of honour to the hero.

People from all walks of life, including students, teachers, social and political figures, also attended the functions.

Garrison Officer Commander Major General Shaid Imtiaz laid a wreath on behalf of the COAS at a monument situated in Jhelum to pay tributes to Major Mohammad Akram Shaheed (Nishan-i-Haider).

Deputy Commissioner Jhelum Rao Pervez Akhter applauded the services and sacrifices of security forces during wars and in uprooting terrorism.

A seminar and photographic exhibition was arranged by Pakistan Cultural Forum at the Rawalpindi Arts Council. Pictures of the 1965 war heroes were displayed on the occasion.

Former chief of general staff retired General Mohammad Mustafa Khan, Senator retired General Abdul Qayum, former secretary petroleum division G.A. Sabri, poet Shazia Akbar, Pakistan Cultural Forum Chairman Zafar Bakhtawari, Akhbar Farosh Federation Secretary General Tika Khan and CDA Labour Union Secretary General Chaudhary Yasin paid tributes to the martyrs of the 1965 war.

Gen Mustafa Khan said the enemy is actively involved in a conspiracy against the armed forces to destroy the nation’s unity. “However, we will not let the sacrifices of our martyrs and ghazis go in vain.”

Senator Abdul Qayyum said due to the great sacrifice of Major Aziz Bhatti Shaheed (Nishan-i-Haider), the dream of Indian forces to capture Lahore failed and Chiwanda became a graveyard of the Indian tanks.

Meanwhile, Punjab Minister for Information Fayyazul Hassan Chohan said Pakistan Army is one of the five best forces in the world.

He was speaking at a ceremony held mat Punjab Council of the Arts in connection with the Defence Day.

He said the love for the army is ingrained in the nation. Pakistani soldiers are serving on the country’s borders with great passion.

Director Punjab Council of the Arts Waqar Ahmed, local artists and people from various walks of life were also present on the occasion.

Published in Dawn, September 7th, 2020